PHILINFRANCE

Unfortunately, judging by the way Tresco and Hildreth are batting this morning - have a look at Warwicks' live stream - the wicket seems to have improved. Or, heaven forbid, Somerset's batting has improved?

It is indeed, although they keep on saying they will improve things once the Test Series is over - we shall see. Another fantastic writer on their site is Paul Edwards, although since they have changed the format I struggle to find any of his articles.

The last Test of the WI series starts today and there has already been mention of this being Blowers' last match commentating. I believe many on this forum follow cricket on the ESPN site, Cricinfo - I know @Tomarse does, and you may have come across George Dobell, a young man who writes on the Cricinfo site. I believe the art of commentating is to convey to those who do not have the pleasure of being present just what is happening, and if this can be done with humour then so much the better, witness Blowers and before him the late John Arlott, Brian Johnson, Richie Benaud and many others. A comment from George Dobell this morning caught my attention, and I am pleased to share it with you as I found it fulfilled the aboverequirements: "Morning from Lord's. Has been a nice morning though clouding over a little now. Pitch looks greener than usual. Mike Gatting is walking around the outfield looking so like Henry VIII that his wife must fear for her head."

As I understand things, he was promised First XI cricket, but was replaced by Steve Davies when he failed to produce the runs. A shame, really, as he is certainly a topclass wicketkeeper - a victim of the current requirement for run scoring keepers whose ability to score runs outweighs their pure wicketkeeping abilities.

This Rachel Priest is like a female Ian Blackwell - absolutely fantastic! Although now caught - probably distracted by the fiasco concerning a runner for Taylor!

But she has only got one leg!

Apparently no interest from you in this match, but Rachel Priest, Western Storm's opening 'batter', has just scored an excilerating 50 and this match is becoming really exciting.

Back to the cricket itself, Western Storm beat Surrey Stars to reach the final and are currently playing a very entertaining match against Southern Vipers. Just like the football, the standard is not as high as the men, but it was most certainly a very exciting semi-final.

The infamous 1-1 Scott Minto match, when we would have played against Man Utd. had we won - which we should have! .

Come on Peter, Do you really think that the 'Pikey' OP on their forum was truly a Rovers fan? He will surely own up on here later.

Not necessarily. Still 2 days to go. Get them out for, say, 250ish by tea tomorrow. Amir is injured and might not bowl again in the match.

Just catching up after a few days away. What happened?

Here's the real explanation.

Three games, surely. And use up next season's budget as well.

Who are just struggling a little bit - 54/3 chasing 100 with 6 overs to go and now a required run rate of 7.66!

Unfortunately, Essex letting us down slightly.

Cracking game at the Rose Bowl. If thing continue, Somerset might just squeeze through: Hanmpshire 64/8 chasing 190!

That is, in fact, Bradfield. A minor claim to fame as I have played there.

At the very least, he is sure to be banned.

This is a cracker on Gaschat, just a few minutes ago. So, I take it you are happy we are now destined to be forever in the shadows of the city then ? That's what a redeveloped mem means. Make no bones about it. We will now always be the poor relation and the talk of we're coming for you are completely gone. harleygas Reserve Team Posts: 299 Member is Online Posting Level Next Level in 201 posts 54 minutes ago Quote Post by harleygas on 54 minutes ago And that's bath city :laugh:

I think you might find that sipirate is, in fact, a more longstanding contributor to OTIB than to Gaschat....

I was about to go back out to work in the garden. I'll just wait a few minutes until YJB gets his century.....

Nothing wrong with that - speaking on behalf a friend.

I'm not so sure. Imagine. Just imagine for a few seconds, a blue 'portaloo' Santa's Grotto in the main car park at Ashton Gate; decked out in blue and white scarves and the infamous pirate badge. Imagine the fans' reaction when they arrive for a home game and reflect on what is going on the other side of the river.

Leave the ball? The ball is there to be hit! It's the way I play.... Our 'TestTeam' has a number of excellent 'one day players', but is sadly lacking in the 'boring' necessities of Test Match cricket.